Julian’s POV
I knew something was bothering Samantha during dinner, but I couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was.
After her discussion with her mother, she had grown unusually quiet. I wanted to press her, to ask what was on her mind, but I held back. I wasn’t really her boyfriend—just playing the role—and I felt I had no right to pry.
Still, her mood weighed on me. After we finished cleaning up the dishes, I went to our room to check on her. She assured me she was fine, though her tone didn’t convince me. Not wanting to push her further, I left her to her thoughts and decided to step outside for some air.
Out in the garden, I spotted Rachel sitting in a chair, gazing up at the sky.
I walked over and sat down beside her. “Not ready for bed?” I asked.
She turned to look at me, a small sm
